Press Releases

National Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Watch for Rhode Island

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm watch for all of Rhode Island from Saturday morning until Sunday morning. The current prediction for snow accumulation in Rhode Island is 4 to 8 inches. The snow is expected to begin mid to late morning on Saturday, and the heaviest and steadiest snowfall will occur late afternoon into the early evening. The snow is predicted to taper off between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday. Snowfall may make driving difficult at times and visibility may be reduced. Motorists are reminded to drive with caution.

"The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) will be opened at a level 4 activation from 4 p.m. Saturday until 8 a.m. Sunday," said RIEMA Executive Director Theresa C. Murray. "During this time, RIEMA Operations staff will be monitoring the state's WebEOC system for reports from municipalities or utility providers of any storm-related issues."

RIEMA reminds everyone of winter weather preparedness tips:
• Add winter blankets, warm clothes, hats, scarves, and mittens to individual emergency kits.
• Make sure you can heat at least one room in your home even if the power or furnace is not available.
• Add extra blankets, snow shovel, ice scraper, windshield washer fluid, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction) to your car emergency kit.
• Make sure your car's tires have enough tread on them.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Continue to monitor TV and radio stations and social media outlets for updates to weather reports.